Celebrating Social Media Day 2024 with KnowledgeFlow: Navigating Social Media Safely and Confidently
June 30th is Social Media Day! At KnowledgeFlow Cybersafety Foundation, we celebrate the positive impact social media has on our lives. It connects us with friends and family, fosters community, and provides access to knowledge and learning opportunities. As we enjoy these benefits, it’s crucial to prioritize cybersafety and manage our online experiences effectively.
Understanding and Managing Privacy Settings
Every social media platform offers privacy settings that allow you to control who can see your posts and personal information. Take time to explore these settings and adjust them to suit your comfort level. For example, on Instagram you can make your account private so only people you allow can see your profile. You can also create a “close friends” story so only specific individuals can view your story content. Regularly reviewing and updating your privacy settings ensures that your online presence remains secure.

Recognizing and Avoiding Scams
Scams can come in many forms online, and fraud has become a big business with the growth of the internet. Fraudsters aim for theft, identity theft, or synthetic identity theft, using deceitful tactics to exploit individuals. Scammers employ sophisticated methods, including social engineering and spoofing techniques, to manipulate emotions and deceive individuals into divulging sensitive information or engaging in harmful actions. Recognizing common scam categories and maintaining vigilance against deceptive tactics are crucial for safeguarding against financial and personal harm in today’s digital landscape. An example of a scam you might see on social media could be a chishing scam (chat phising); you receive a DM claiming you’ve won a contest from a well-known brand on Instagram, with a link to claim your prize. Excited, you click on the link and enter personal information. Unfortunately, it’s a scam to collect your personal data. On our Cybersafety Academy, we have a course about learning how to protect yourself from scams! Click here to check out Scams: Spot Them and Stop Them.


Using Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Creating strong, unique passwords for each of your social media accounts is a fundamental step in protecting your online identity. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible for an added layer of security. 2FA requires a second form of verification, making it harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords securely. Check out this resource we have on Password Managers and how to use them!

Encouraging Open Communication
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or friend, fostering open communication about social media use is essential. Discussing experiences and concerns helps build trust and makes it easier to address any issues that arise. Encourage others to share their online experiences and support them in navigating the digital world safely. Checkout this article about positive effects of social media.
Embracing Social Media as a Tool
Social media offers a variety of opportunities to connect, learn and grow. So being able to use it safely is an important part of keeping yourself protected online. We are dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the digital world confidently.
So let’s celebrate Social Media Day together by embracing the benefits that it can give us, while committing to safer online practices. We can create a secure and beneficial online.
Learn More About the Positive Aspects of Social Media
- Social Media’s Positive Power for Young People
- Social Media Isn’t Perfect, but It’s Brought Us Together in Community, Health, Love, and Beyond
- Social media use can be positive for mental health and well-being
- This report explores the complex impact of social media on youth mental health. Based on a survey of 1,274 teens and young adults, it highlights both the benefits and challenges of social media use, particularly for marginalized groups such as LGBTQ+ and youth of color, emphasizing the varying experiences and coping strategies employed by young people.
